Definitely beats walking if there is little to no wait for the train, but the lines can get long, so it's actually faster to walk from park to park than to wait in this line if it's long. I'm not a die hard Harry Potter fan.
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We learned from a Universal employee that it takes 35 minutes to leave Diagon Alley, exit the park, enter Islands of Adventure and walk to Hogwarts. So if the wait is 40 minutes for the Hogwarts Express (and your kids can handle the hike) don't take the train. You'll save time just walking around.
The main reason is this is the only way to make sure you see absolutely everything that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer. The other main reason we think the Hogwarts Express is worth it is that it's a convenient way to travel between the two parks and you can enjoy a different experience both ways.
The Hogwarts Express is a first-of-its-kind ride that links multiple geographical locations in one themed experience. The train not only provides transportation from park to park but also presents two different “stories” for passengers to enjoy on their routes.
Hogwarts Express is a single-track elevated cable railway running over the backlot between the two theme parks, with a two-track passing loop at the midpoint. It is 676 meters (2,218 ft) long and has a track gauge of 1,800 mm ( 5 ft 107/8 in).
You can only access this attraction if you have a park-to-park ticket, though! In my opinion, you can absolutely fit everything you want to do in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day, even without Express Passes. You just need to be strategic about your itinerary!
Although Diagon Alley has its unique charms, such as the interactive wand experience and the visually stunning Gringotts Bank, Hogsmeade comes out ahead for its variety of attractions and overall magical atmosphere.
Can you ride the Hogwarts Express multiple times? Yes! As long as you carry a park-to-park ticket, you can go back and forth as many times as you wish between the parks.
Q: How much does it cost to ride the Hogwarts Express? A: While it will cost you a park-to-park ticket, it does not cost any extra. You will never have to purchase a ticket to ride only the Hogwarts Express.
You can also opt to visit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure one day with a park-to-park ticket and spend your second day splashing at Volcano Bay. If you want to maximize your two-day visit, we recommend: Getting the Universal Express or Universal Express Unlimited Pass for skipping the general queues.
Both Orlando and Hollywood offer guests an engaging Wizarding World experience. However, Universal Orlando logistically has more to provide in the way of themed options for visitors to explore. Thus, travelers with time to spare wanting a comprehensive Harry Potter experience will find it at Universal Orlando.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood is great for a concise getaway, but ultimately, nothing beats Universal Orlando when it comes to the full magical experience. Those looking to enjoy the best of all the flavor, fun, and attractions will want to head to Orlando to find it.
Hogwarts™ Castle WalkYou can walk through Hogwarts™ castle without riding the ride attraction. Fully enjoy the world of Harry Potter™ including “Moving Portrait Corridor” and “The Portrait of the Fat Lady” like Harry Potter™ and his friends did! *Please ask crew members about the operation hours.
Since Hogwarts is, well, fictional, you can't really check-in. But, the Georgian House in London has transformed some guest rooms into Wizard's Chambers. The rooms are part of the hotel's Harry Potter Tour Package.